Sample Analysis Technician 3/4 (Process & Sample Technician 3/4)

What You Will Do

The Health Physics Analysis Laboratories (HPAL) program analyzes a variety of samples for the presence of radioactive materials in support of the Laboratory's Nuclear Security Mission. The program performs non-destructive measurements of samples collected in support of the LANL Radiation Protection Program, analyzing over 200,000 samples per year. HPAL has capabilities for measuring a wide variety of radioisotopes for total alpha and beta activity as well as isotopic determinations. Upon qualification, the selected candidate will be responsible for analysis of samples, working independently, and with other technicians.

This position will be filled at either the Process and Sampling Technician 3 or 4 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.

Process and Sampling Technician 3, $57,800 - $89,500

This level the position requires working knowledge of theory and concepts associated with radiation detection and measurements. The selected candidate will be responsible for performing instrument checks, analysis of samples using gas-flow proportional, liquid scintillation counters, sodium iodide, and high purity germanium counters and reporting results to the facility's radiation protection program.

Process and Sampling Technician 4, $69,500 - $110,300

In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, at this level the position requires comprehensive understanding of the principles associated with radiation detection and measurements, the properties of ionizing radiation, instrument calibrations, quality assurance, and a demonstrated ability to apply that knowledge to new and unanticipated situations. In addition to the duties and expectations of a Technician 3, the selected candidate will be responsible for reviewing results, calibration and maintenance of instruments, and resolving issues with analyses.


What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:


• Demonstrated working knowledge of ionizing radiation, radiological units, radiation detection principles, and associated calculations.

• Experience in the performance of radiological measurements.

• Demonstrated high degree of attention to detail in ensuring data quality objectives.

• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate orally and in writing.

• Ability to obtain a Q clearance.

Additional Job Requirements for Process and Sampling Technician 4:

In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:

• Demonstrated comprehensive understanding of properties of ionizing radiation, radiological units, and radiation detection principles.

• Demonstrated experience in radiological measurements techniques and instrumentation.

• Demonstrated experience in quality assurance practices.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks.

• Demonstrated ability in problem solving.

Education/Experience at lower level:

Associate's Degree in radiological sciences or a related field and 3 years experience directly related to radiation detection and measurement; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Education/Experience at higher level:

Associate's degree in radiological sciences or related field with 5 years experience directly related to radiation detection and measurement; or an equvalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in instrument calibration and maintenance.

• Experience in operation of Berthold LB770/LB790 gas-flow proportional counters.

• Experience in operation of Perkin-Elmer TriCarb liquid scintillation counters.

• Experience with sodium iodide and high purity germanium counters.

• Experience working with Microsoft Excel software.

Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Position commitment: Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.

Note to Applicants:

• Along with your resume, please include a detailed cover letter explaining how you meet the minimum requirements and any of the desired qualifications.

• The selected candidate must be able to obtain and hold a DOE Q or L clearance.
Where You Will Work

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:

§ PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network

§ Dental and vision insurance

§ Free basic life and disability insurance

§ Paid childbirth and parental leave

§ Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)

§ Learning opportunities and tuition assistance

§ Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)

§ Onsite gyms and wellness programs

§ Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)
Additional Details

Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance. and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.

*Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.

426.2: This position is subject to DOE Order 426.2, Personnel Selection, Training, and Qualification Requirements for DOE Nuclear Facilities, which establishes entry-level requirements to ensure candidates selected for specific positions can successfully perform the requirements of the job.

New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.

Regular position: Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.

Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.
Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call 1-505-664-6947 option 2 and then option 3.